The automobile was an amazing innovation that has enhanced the lives of many people worldwide. It allows individuals to visit places they might never go, to work jobs they otherwise wouldn't be able to, and to see family members regularly they might otherwise only be able to visit once in a blue moon.
If there is a major downside to the automobile, it's one that has been with it since the very beginning. I'm referring, of course, to the matter of safety. The threat of being injured or killed in an accident has long been the biggest drawback of driving, and while vehicles have certainly become much, much safer over the years, safety remains a major concern. That's why it's so important to understand what safety features matter most to you and nail down what you're looking for in terms of automotive safety when shopping for a new vehicle. But keeping up with all of the innovations rolling out over time can be difficult. To make things a little easier for you, we've compiled a list of some of the most obvious and important modern safety features to search for when shopping for a vehicle in 2021. Hop in, buckle up, and let's get started.
Please note that many of these safety features have manufacturer-specific names for marketing purposes. However, the general idea behind the systems is the same.
Lane Departure Warning System
Anyone who's driven for an extended period on the highway knows how frighteningly easy it can be to drift into another lane. Whether the cause of outright distraction, or the gradual relaxation of the mind and numbing of instinct that occurs while driving on the highway, this can be dangerous to you, your passengers, and other drivers. A lane departure warning system will provide you with an immediate alert when you begin to move out of your lane, for any reason.
Pedestrian Alert System
In both urban areas and suburban neighborhoods, pedestrians are everywhere, and can seemingly appear from anywhere, at any time. That's why having a built-in pedestrian alert system is so useful. These systems automatically let you know when a pedestrian is near your vehicle so you can adjust your driving accordingly and keep everyone safe on the road.
360-Degree Camera System
If you're anything like me, parking in and pulling out of crowded parking lots can be a stressful experience. From rogue shopping carts to drivers simultaneously ignoring speed limits and directional arrows to pedestrians running out from behind vehicles like they are actively trying to get run over, it's hard to maintain complete awareness at all times. A 360-degree camera system gives you a complete view of all sides of your vehicle so you can feel confident no matter how crazy the parking situation happens to be.
Don't Pay More Than You Should for Safety Features
These are just a few examples of some of the amazing and innovative new safety features available on modern vehicles. While these features are on the cutting edge, it's important to note that many of them come standard in 2021 vehicles, across a range of manufacturers. So, if safety is important to you, consider looking specifically for vehicles that include high-tech safety features standard. You'll feel more secure on the road and save some money while you're at it. After all, wallet safety is almost as important as driving safety!